Jab Julien is a musician, rapper and songwriter, who is continuously working on his own musical endeavours and trying to build a lasting career. Music Promotion Club were blessed with the opportunity to chat with the creative artist to find out more about what drives him and what his advice would be to upcoming musicians. It turned out to be an incredibly informative discussion, a huge thank you to Jab Julien for his time and expertise. The full interview is given below.
1. How long have you been making music?
Ans: I’ve been rapping for fun all my life but I’ve been making music as a career since 2010. So about 8 years.
2. Do you remember the very first song you composed?
Ans: As a matter of fact I do, it was a diss track me and my friends made haha.
3. How did the music video happen?
Ans: While in Denver CO for a show, my director @iamSkit found a dope location and my driver actually had a Tesla truck so it felt like the right thing to do.
4. What came first in the process on making the songs – lyrics, concept, melody or the creative ideas?
Ans: “Tesla” is actually a freestyle to Blocboy JB’s “Rover”. I really like the beat and felt like a few verses from me wouldn’t hurt.
5. How was it in the growing up years?
Ans: Growing up in Newark NJ required will-power and extreme focus. Like any other “hood” it’s a ton of distraction and it’s always easier to do the wrong things than it is to do something productive. I lost my mom at the age of 7 and as a result of that my perspectives and obstacles became unique.
6. What is the major difference in your music than others?
Ans: I have a unique smooth melodic voice and I care about being lyrical at the same time.
7. What was your biggest inspiration that urged you to start making music?
Ans: I would always freestyle in a joking manner and my friends would encourage me to do it seriously. Wiz Khalifa & Currensy “How Fly” mixtape had several songs where they left 2mins+ of instrumental. I started practicing freestyles without jokes to those beats.
8. Which is your favourite music genre?
Ans: Hip-Hop is my favorite but I love Smooth Jazz and Alternative.
9. Who is your music idol?
Ans: My music idol is probably Currensy if I have to choose one. He seems genuinely happy and he’s done what he wanted to his whole career.
10. Which are your most favorite songs?
Ans: That’s way too hard to answer but it’s probably something by Sadé or Lauryn Hill.
11. What inspired you to create the song “Tesla”?
Ans: When I heard Blocboy JB’s “Rover” I immediately wanted to do the beat. Instead of highlighting a “Range Rover” like he did in “Rover” I preferred to shoutout one of my favorite cars, the Tesla.
12. What is the message behind your song “Tesla”?
Ans: “Tesla” is a freestyle or remix if you will, displaying my unique rap style and flows.
13. How has been the response so far?
Ans: So far people seem to be impressed by the song and video but I’m sure it deserves more promotion to receive all of the love it deserves.
14. How important is live music to you?
Ans: As a recording artist, live shows are vital to me and one of my favorite parts about being in the music industry.
15. Do you have any plans for touring in the upcoming months?
Ans: I’m performing at Rolling Loud for the second time, this time it’s in California on September 16th.
16. Which is that one song you wish you had written and why?
Ans: I wish I wrote Nas-One Love. That song was ahead of its time and very related to me now in my adult life.
17. Do you have a music group/band?
Ans: I began my rap career apart of a group called TRIFE Mafia with Kellz Merlin. TRIFE-Turning Risks Into Future Earnings. It is no longer a group but an independent record label.
18. What advice would you like to give to the aspiring musicians for an increased fan following?
Ans: Persistence, good content and consistency seems to be growing my following the most.
19. What are your plans for 2018?
Ans: In 2018 I will be performing more than ever and also releasing my 1st solo EP “8ossUP” underneath Infinite Visions.
20. When can we expect another music video?
Ans: I’m dropping another freestyle in a cookie of days and the video will be released 3 days after the mp3.
21. Would you like to give any message to all your fans?
Ans: Always be YOU and remember any negative situation can become a positive one.
Ans: That’s way too hard to answer but it’s probably something by Sadé or Lauryn Hill.
11. What inspired you to create the song “Tesla”?
Ans: When I heard Blocboy JB’s “Rover” I immediately wanted to do the beat. Instead of highlighting a “Range Rover” like he did in “Rover” I preferred to shoutout one of my favorite cars, the Tesla.
12. What is the message behind your song “Tesla”?
Ans: “Tesla” is a freestyle or remix if you will, displaying my unique rap style and flows.
13. How has been the response so far?
Ans: So far people seem to be impressed by the song and video but I’m sure it deserves more promotion to receive all of the love it deserves.
14. How important is live music to you?
Ans: As a recording artist, live shows are vital to me and one of my favorite parts about being in the music industry.
15. Do you have any plans for touring in the upcoming months?
Ans: I’m performing at Rolling Loud for the second time, this time it’s in California on September 16th.
16. Which is that one song you wish you had written and why?
Ans: I wish I wrote Nas-One Love. That song was ahead of its time and very related to me now in my adult life.
17. Do you have a music group/band?
Ans: I began my rap career apart of a group called TRIFE Mafia with Kellz Merlin. TRIFE-Turning Risks Into Future Earnings. It is no longer a group but an independent record label.
18. What advice would you like to give to the aspiring musicians for an increased fan following?Ans: Persistence, good content and consistency seems to be growing my following the most.
19. What are your plans for 2018?
Ans: In 2018 I will be performing more than ever and also releasing my 1st solo EP “8ossUP” underneath Infinite Visions.
20. When can we expect another music video?
Ans: I’m dropping another freestyle in a cookie of days and the video will be released 3 days after the mp3.
21. Would you like to give any message to all your fans?
Ans: Always be YOU and remember any negative situation can become a positive one.
For his latest releases, follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
